CHAPTER XVI. A FUNERAL MARCH.
THUS ended this brilliant passage of arms. Was I not right, my children,when I told you that its equal was never seen?
The wounded Saracens were conveyed to hospital, and I need hardlyadd, they were as well cared for as if they had been duly-baptisedChristians.
The dead were buried; they were sixty-three in number, neither more norless. There were, after this tournament, a great many thrones to let inthe East.
The surgeons declared that the wounded would not be fit to move for amonth at the very least.
Charlemagne loaded the survivors with rich gifts, and then, afterfour or five days of rejoicing, he prepared to depart, leaving Fronsacstrongly garrisoned. He wished to spend Advent Sunday at a townanciently called Durie, in the diocese of Julliers, and the Feast of theResurrection at the Cathedral of St. Lambert, in Liege.
When the Saracens were left alone, they determined, after a longconsultation, to inform King Marsillus without delay of the melancholyfate of his envoys, and to bear to him the mortal remains of his son.Nobody, however, cared to be the bearer of such tidings, and one and allprofessed to suffer horribly from their wounds. In short, of all thatbrilliant expedition, there were none left to perform this duty exceptthe band.
The solemn procession set out for Spain. The drums, covered withmourning, preceded the hearse about twenty paces.
Thus it was that Murad Henakyeh Meimoumovassi re-entered his father'sdominions!
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END OF THE FIRST BOOK,
BOOK THE SECOND -- THE PROPHET'S PARADISE.
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